Rental listings specifying “Muslim only” tenants have been posted across London, according to an investigation, in breach of UK law. The ads appeared on multiple platforms and agency sites, and some were blunt in how they described who could apply.
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, gender, and other protected characteristics. Landlords and letting agents are generally not allowed to restrict tenants by these criteria, except in limited circumstances such as shared accommodation within a private home, reports GB News.
Across sites including Facebook, Gumtree, and Telegram, listings requested “Muslim boys,” “Muslim girls,” or Punjabi speakers. Some also specified Gujarati speakers or people from Kerala and Haryana. On the website of Roshan Properties, ads promoted rentals for “two Muslim boys” or “two Muslim girls.”
The listings were identified in multiple boroughs, including Ilford, Dagenham, and Harrow. Ilford has a significant Muslim population, with around 41 percent of residents identifying as Muslim, totaling 45,757 people.
In some cases, landlords sneak in preferences through lifestyle descriptions, such as “alcohol and smoke-free” homes. While property owners can outline certain living conditions or dietary needs, the law does not permit selecting tenants based on religion or ethnicity.
There is some legal allowance for individuals renting rooms in shared accommodation to express preferences, but this does not extend broadly to all rental listings. Violations of discrimination laws can result in civil action.
Under the Renters' Rights Act, local authorities can issue fines of up to £7,000 for discrimination, including on religious or racial grounds. Repeat violations may result in additional penalties, with fines potentially doubling.
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick criticized the listings. “It goes without saying that there would be a national outrage if the tables were turned,” he told The Telegraph. He added that all forms of racism are “unacceptable” and said no religious group should receive a “special exemption to discriminate.”
Rental site Gumtree's spokesman said: "Gumtree has clear policies in place that prohibit unlawful discrimination, and we take reports of inappropriate listings very seriously: "The ads referenced appear to relate to private rooms within shared homes, where existing occupants may express preferences about who they live with. This is different from renting an entire property, which is subject to stricter rules under the Equality Act.
"However, we expect all users to advertise responsibly and inclusively. We actively monitor listings and have tools in place for users to report content they believe breaches our policies, which we actively review and will take action on where appropriate. We are continuing to review listings in this area to ensure they meet both our guidelines and legal requirements."
(Photo is AI generated)
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, gender, and other protected characteristics. Landlords and letting agents are generally not allowed to restrict tenants by these criteria, except in limited circumstances such as shared accommodation within a private home, reports GB News.
Across sites including Facebook, Gumtree, and Telegram, listings requested “Muslim boys,” “Muslim girls,” or Punjabi speakers. Some also specified Gujarati speakers or people from Kerala and Haryana. On the website of Roshan Properties, ads promoted rentals for “two Muslim boys” or “two Muslim girls.”
The listings were identified in multiple boroughs, including Ilford, Dagenham, and Harrow. Ilford has a significant Muslim population, with around 41 percent of residents identifying as Muslim, totaling 45,757 people.
In some cases, landlords sneak in preferences through lifestyle descriptions, such as “alcohol and smoke-free” homes. While property owners can outline certain living conditions or dietary needs, the law does not permit selecting tenants based on religion or ethnicity.
There is some legal allowance for individuals renting rooms in shared accommodation to express preferences, but this does not extend broadly to all rental listings. Violations of discrimination laws can result in civil action.
Under the Renters' Rights Act, local authorities can issue fines of up to £7,000 for discrimination, including on religious or racial grounds. Repeat violations may result in additional penalties, with fines potentially doubling.
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick criticized the listings. “It goes without saying that there would be a national outrage if the tables were turned,” he told The Telegraph. He added that all forms of racism are “unacceptable” and said no religious group should receive a “special exemption to discriminate.”
Rental site Gumtree's spokesman said: "Gumtree has clear policies in place that prohibit unlawful discrimination, and we take reports of inappropriate listings very seriously: "The ads referenced appear to relate to private rooms within shared homes, where existing occupants may express preferences about who they live with. This is different from renting an entire property, which is subject to stricter rules under the Equality Act.
"However, we expect all users to advertise responsibly and inclusively. We actively monitor listings and have tools in place for users to report content they believe breaches our policies, which we actively review and will take action on where appropriate. We are continuing to review listings in this area to ensure they meet both our guidelines and legal requirements."
(Photo is AI generated)
